First-Year Students Sign the Fisher Creed

For more than 20 years, students at St. John Fisher University have participated in the annual Fisher Creed signing, a symbolic gesture to show their commitment to eight lived values.

A statement conceived and written by Fisher students, the Creed speaks to the basic values and aspirations of the institution. It holds that students will bring respect, open-mindedness, and integrity to the campus; and will build a community that exemplifies diversity, responsibility, education, leadership, and growth.

Throughout the semester, members of the Class of 2026 learned about the history of the Fisher Creed and explored its eight values during first-year seminar. The seminar's final project challenged students to creatively share how their growth during their first semester is connected to one of the eight values.

Jennifer Salmon, assistant director of first-year advising, said that understanding the history and purpose of the Creed and its values helps students identify with it and embrace its significance on campus.

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the class came together for a ceremony to celebrate the statement and sign framed copies that will hang in the Donald E. Bain Campus Center Atrium throughout their time on campus. 

“The event is meaningful because it is a celebration of how far students have come in the first semester and how much they have grown in the process,” Salmon said. “Signing the Creed signifies how much they are a part of the Fisher community and the values they will exemplify as a Fisher Cardinal.”